31 Awesome Japanese Gift Ideas (+2 to Avoid)

Looking for the perfect Japan-themed gift idea? We’ve searched hundreds of ideas to identify 31 top-rated choices. Whether you’re seeking a gift for an exchange student, business associate, or general lover of all things Japan, we’ve got you covered with ideas that are sure to garner a “doumo arigatou” (thanks a lot). Gift giving is an important cultural ritual in Japan. If traveling in Japan, make sure you bring a few gifts in case you need to reciprocate.

From pachi pachi panic cola to sakuranbo mochi, this candy gift bag includes a sweet assortment authentic Japanese favorites. Comes in a artistic bag, wrapped with a ribbon making it an easy lift gift. As an added bonus, it comes with a helpful document explaining what each candy is in English.

A truly unique gift idea, these sushi socks come rolled up in a box and include salmon, tuna and octopus nigiri varieties. You’ll be the hit of the party with this fun, creative and comfortable sock tray.

This groovy graphic guide makes exploring Japan a whole new world of adventure. Take a whirlwind trip to Japan through the eyes of a cartoonist, seeing unique spots to eat anything and everything, shopping, anime, cosplay, festivals and more.

The Japanese lacquerware tradition is estimated to have originated around 5000 BCE during the Jōmon period. This ancient artistic tradition is still alive today makes for a quintessential Japanese gift. This bowl is painted with cranes and is perfect for rice or miso soup.

Calling all connoisseurs of sake: who would’ve thought you’d have your very own Kit Kat flavor? The subtle flavors of sake are coupled with the soft extravagance of white chocolate. Imported from Japan with real alcohol content (0.8%) and sake flavor, these 12 mini Kit-Kats are a sumptuous treat.

Enjoy sake in traditional Japanese style with OliaDesign’s tasteful 5-piece set. Including a sake server and 4 cups, this set is perfect for a dinner party with friends or family. The attractive white and red blossom ceramic pieces are microwave and dishwasher safe.

This classic cookbook should be on the kitchen shelf of every serious Japan lover. It contains 500 drawings and 230 traditional recipes, in addition to useful cultural details that most cookbooks gloss over.

This set of Japanese chopsticks are painted with subtle little flower blossoms and tiny bits of glitter mixed in, adding a special effect. They come in a tastefully designed case with Japanese text, making it easy to wrap up as a gift. They are lacquered and dishwasher safe.

Brighten up your doorway with this unique handmade tapestry curtain. Creating privacy and decoration in your living space or office, create a zen-like tranquility that guests and family members can enjoy.

A delightful collection of snacks for any lover of Japanese food. Featuring all your favorites: Baby-Star Ramen, Pokemon Ramune, Shimi Corn and many more delectable delights. 20 delicious items of candies, chocolate and snacks you won’t be able to resist.

These strawberry rice-cakes are gummy goodies no-one will be able to resist. A rich strawberry filling is surrounded by soft marshmallow goodness. Your taste buds will be taken on a trip to Japan with this classic sweet treat.

HC’s jigger is a versatile addition to your bar- craft cocktails and mixed drinks in style using Japanese stainless steel. The brushed finish adds a touch of class as you precisely measure up to 1 ounce using the small jigger and up to 2 ounces with the large.

$9.20 USD

$10.58 USD

Kanagawa ‘The Great Wave’ T-Shirt

Hokusai’s classic ‘The Great Wave’ is now available as a tasteful and attractive T-Shirt. This 100% cotton, classic-fit T-shirt is sure to remain a timeless piece of your wardrobe. It is machine-washable and available in a range of colors to suit everyone’s taste.

Including 6 equally cute kokeshi dolls, these colorful erasers are made from recyclable non-PVC material and made in Japan. Not only use them as an eraser, but take them apart and put them back together for some light-hearted playtime.

Your valuables will fit snugly in this adorable Japanese goldfish purse. The colorful fabric is patterned with elegant kimono designs with a gorgeous goldfish on the underside. 5.5 by 6 inches, it’s the perfect size for your purse, phone or any small item.

Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic philosophy that finds beauty in things that are impermanent, incomplete and imperfect. Learn to appreciate life’s simple beauty with this engrossing paperback book. Including history, culture, art, design, and spirit, there is a lesson for everyone in wabi-sabi.

Pack your lunch up in authentic Japanese style using these cute bento boxes. Complete with a double-stack box with band and lunch bag, the food-safe plastic is decorated with subtle plum designs to enjoy as you eat your lunch.

Manga, anime, J-Pop, Pokemon- Japan was once a part of your life- here is your new, updated guide to Japan’s truly fascinating geek culture. Captured and explained in intimate detail, with a range of articles on different aspects of geek culture featuring photographs and sidebars.

An ideal way to rest and rejuvenate your mind, unwind as you color in one of the 72 beautiful Japanese-inspired illustrations. With detachable sheets and compact size, you can color on-the-go and share your creativity with others.

Some toys are timeless, and this classic paper balloon is one of them. It will be an endless source of fun as you blow it up and bat it around. It has a mysterious secret- leave the inflation hole open and bat the ball around, it will only get bigger!

Known for quality and reliability in Japan, Tiger rice cookers are the classic choice to cook rice. Featuring simple yet elegant floral designs, this 5.5 cup cooker keeps your rice warm for up to 12 hours and has a non-stick pan, making it easier to serve and clean.

Learn to create the wonderful kusudama, a sophisticated form of origami that features incredible ball designs. Kusudama were originally used as incense holders. With instructions for more than 40 stunning designs, decorate your home or give a kusudama as a unique gift.

Known worldwide for its unsurpassed quality, Kobe beef is a special treat that’s coveted by the Japanese. The perfect gift idea for a high-stakes (no pun intended) business deal or any connoisseur of fine food. It is shipped frozen and vacuum-sealed for freshness.

$150.00 USD

$150.00 USD

What Japanese-themed gifts should you avoid giving?

1. Anything with unlucky number 4 or 9 (or in quantity of 4 or 9). 2. White flowers. They are typically associated with funerals.